Lettuce Wraps

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These lettuce wraps are a fun and interactive dish that lets you customize each bite. The combination of ground chicken, water chestnuts, and a tangy, slightly spicy sauce creates a rich and satisfying filling. The fresh vegetables add a crisp crunch, and the herbs like cilantro and mint infuse every bite with vibrant flavors. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option, a quick meal, or a tasty snack, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients

For the sauce:

• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons lite soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced

For the chicken:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or avocado oil
• 1 lb. ground chicken
• 8 oz can water chestnuts, drained and diced

For the lettuce wraps:

• 1 large head Boston or butter lettuce, separated into leaves
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 4 scallions, sliced
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/3 cup mint, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped cashews or peanuts

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce or tamari, lime juice, chili garlic sauce, fresh mint, ground ginger, and minced garlic. Stir well to combine and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil or avocado oil over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).
3. Add the water chestnuts: Stir in the diced water chestnuts and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
4. Assemble the wraps: Remove the pan from the heat and pour the sauce over the chicken mixture. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
5. Prepare the lettuce wraps: Lay out the lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf.
6. Top the wraps: Add shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced scallions, cilantro, mint, and chopped cashews or peanuts on top of the chicken mixture.
7. Serve: Gently fold the lettuce over the fillings to form a wrap and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves about 4 people.
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian version: Swap the ground chicken for sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a meat-free option.
• Spicy heat: Increase the chili garlic sauce for a spicier flavor or add a chopped fresh chili to the filling.
• Different nuts: If you don’t have cashews or peanuts, try almonds or sunflower seeds for an alternate crunch.
• Extra veggies: You can add sliced bell peppers or shredded zucchini to the mix for even more color and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooked chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce and fresh toppings (such as cabbage and herbs) separate to maintain their crispness.
• Reheating: To reheat the chicken mixture, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Fresh lettuce leaves should be added just before serving to keep them crisp.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground beef instead of chicken for these wraps?

Yes, ground beef works just as well as chicken for this recipe. The flavor may be richer, but it’s still a delicious option.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.

3. Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Yes, you can use other types of lettuce such as iceberg or romaine, but Boston or butter lettuce is preferred for its larger leaves that are easy to wrap.

4. How do I make these wraps spicier?

If you enjoy spice, you can increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or add a finely chopped fresh chili to the chicken filling.

5. Are these wraps gluten-free?

Yes, if you use tamari in place of soy sauce, these wraps will be gluten-free. Always check your sauce labels to ensure there’s no gluten if you’re sensitive.

6. Can I freeze these lettuce wraps?

While the filling can be frozen, the lettuce and fresh vegetables won’t freeze well. It’s best to store the filling separately and assemble the wraps fresh.

7. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use cooked chicken. Just skip the browning step and add the cooked chicken and water chestnuts to the skillet to heat through before adding the sauce.

8. What kind of sauce is hoisin sauce?

Hoisin sauce is a thick, fragrant sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It’s slightly sweet and savory, made from fermented soybeans, garlic, vinegar, and sugar.

9. Can I substitute the water chestnuts?

If you don’t have water chestnuts, you can substitute with sliced bamboo shoots, or just skip them and use extra vegetables for crunch.

10. How do I make these wraps low-carb?

To make these wraps lower in carbs, skip the shredded cabbage and carrots or use a low-carb veggie like zucchini noodles as a substitute.

Conclusion

These lettuce wraps are a perfect meal for anyone seeking a fresh, healthy, and customizable dish. With savory chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a deliciously tangy sauce, they’re a flavorful way to enjoy a light meal or appetizer. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, party, or enjoying them as a quick lunch, these wraps are sure to be a hit. Enjoy experimenting with different variations to suit your taste!

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